The Cowboys were able to find a way to win, again. It was a very exciting game and exciting win, but it was not pretty in the slightest. However, the Cowboys stepped up when they needed to and pulled out the win. Despite multiple offensive struggles, the Cowboys were able to win a tough matchup in a hostile environment. The Cowboys now sit on top of the Big 12 tied with TCU for the best records in the conference.
Mason Rudolph and the offense started out pretty hot, taking a 17-2 lead into halftime. However, the entire offense seemed to hit a wall in the second half. Rudolph had the worst game of his young career going 20-40 for 218 yards and three interceptions. J.W. Walsh was the star of the offense even though his throws were limited. He went 2-3 for 10 yards and a touchdown. He also tacked on 17 rush yards and a touchdown, Walsh was able to answer when he was called on. The run game was nonexistent again Saturday with Chris Carson and Rennie Childs combing for only 55 yards on 24 combined carries. Rudolph also struggled spreading the ball like he usually does. No receiver had more than five catches or more than 50 yards receiving. The offense didn't have a pretty game, but they were able to make the clutch plays when they needed to.
The defense was yet again what really kept them in this game. Four players had 10+ tackles and the defense was able to force four turnovers. Emmanuel Ogbah forced two fumbles and returned one for a touchdown. The defense did allow 444 yards to West Virginia's offense, but became a stonewall when they needed to. Without the defense playing like they did, this game could have been a way different outcome than a 33-26 overtime win. The defense did do a great job of containing West Virginia QB, Skyler Howard. A defense that seems to struggle against dual threat quarterbacks, they only allowed Howard 236 total yards and two total touchdowns.
Again, it wasn't the easiest or prettiest win, but good teams always seem to find a way. The Cowboys are heading into a bye week and it will be a great opportunity to look at tape and prepare for the next game. The Cowboys start play again in two weeks against Kansas for the Cowboys' homecoming game.
